If you are new to trail running, or simply looking to expand the options in your current runners tool belt, the Duluth Trails Highlight articles will help on your journey to explore the many (amazing) trails the Duluth area has to offer.

Today’s post brings us out to a fun little section in Jay Cooke State Park – the Grand Portage loop. This is a section of the park I run in often and am excited to share it with you today!

The Grand Portage trailhead is right off of Hwy 210, which makes for handy parking and gets you running along the St. Louis River right away.

If you head up-river from the parking lot, you’ll run on the shoulder of 210 for about 100 meters, then take a left onto the hiking trail (also part of the SHT). Earlier this week I was treated to some cool sounds while on my run…see the video below and make sure to turn your volume up.

After running along the river for a little bit, you will cross Hwy 210 and start heading uphill – get ready for some hiking! Here’s the sign that awaits you:

Although there are some steep inclines right away, they are rather short lived and before you know it you’ve linked up with the much more gentle Oak Trail, which you will stay on for less than a half mile or (after taking a right).

After taking a right off of the Oak Trail and back on to the Grand Portage Trail, you will work your way back down to Hwy 210, with some ridge running, rolling hills, and a fun shallow creek crossing (that you can stay dry on by rock hopping, or go right across the frozen water during winter months), among other interesting aspects.

If you’re worried about getting lost, be sure to take a picture of the park maps that are along the way, including in the parking lot, and bring your phone with to reference along the way.

I’m very thankful that Duluth has so many options to get off the pavement if that’s what you’re looking for – there are no excuses! Get outside and start enjoying all of the fantastic parks and trails the Duluth area has to offer! See you out there 🙂